For a lot of people, the word vacation is synonymous with jetting off to an island paradise to stick your toes in the sand and sip a drink by the water. That may sound frivolous, but it’s not—research has shown that vacations are necessary, benefiting us in just about every way possible: mentally, emotionally, and physically.
One challenge to that dream: No passport. A little over half of Americans hold a valid passport, which means the other half’s travel is restricted to the United States itself—you even need a passport to travel to and from Canada and Mexico, these days. There are a lot of reasons for this, from cost (it can run about $500 just to get a family of four set up with passports) and the hassle of filling out the forms, getting the pictures, and waiting about six weeks to get it.
If you’re one of the millions of Americans without a passport, rejoice: The U.S. is so damn big you still have a lot of options for the island vacation of your dreams (you will probably need a Real ID, however). Here are 20 island vacations you can book right now, even if you don’t have a valid passport.
Hawaii
Hawaii is probably the most obvious choice here—it’s a fully fledged U.S. state, so there’s no barrier to getting there from just about anywhere else in the country (unless you consider spending hours on a plane to be a barrier). Hawaii feels like a separate tropical country in many ways, thanks to its incredible natural beauty and unique Indigenous culture. An archipelago, the main Hawaiian islands offer distinct experiences: The “Big Island” of Hawaii is filled with natural beauty and the vibrant history of the area; Lanai, the smallest island, is almost completely owned by billionaire Larry Ellison and offers a secluded, super private experience; Oahu, the state capital, is ideal if you want to mix an urban feel with your pristine beaches; Maui is the place to go if you want a super-luxe resort experience; and Kauai is ideal for anyone who wants to hike through unspoiled nature and have a bit of an adventure.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a self-governing unincorporated territory of the United States, so you don’t need a passport to travel there (and the residents are U.S. citizens). As a result, it’s an almost ideal spot for an island vacation if you don’t have a passport. Filled with gorgeous beaches, old cities, and a vibrant culture that translates into one of the most exciting nightlife scenes you can travel to, Puerto Rico has something for everyone. If you want to hit the nightlife and soak in old-world charm, check out San Juan (and Old San Juan). If you’re looking for a beach-focused trip, look at Flamenco Beach on the island of Culebra, often ranked as one of the most beautiful in the world.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Pricey and with an exclusive feel, Nantucket is a terrific vacation spot if the tropical vibe isn’t your thing. Accessible via ferry or plane (you can bring your car via the ferry, but there’s not a lot of parking and it’s really not necessary), the island offers gorgeous beaches, amazing food, luxury shopping, and a small-town vibe that’s incredibly charming. It’s an ideal place if your perfect vacation is renting some bikes, picnicking on the beach, and having a gourmet dinner at night. Keep in mind that Nantucket is pretty empty during the colder months, with a lot of businesses shut down, so it’s more of a warm-weather destination.
Dauphin Island, Alabama
If you don’t think of Alabama as a vacation spot, you’re probably not alone. But Dauphin Island is beautiful, situated on the Gulf and blessed with roomy, pristine white sand beaches that are ideal for sunset walks—and are usually not very crowded. The vibe here is quiet and easygoing, more nap-focused than nightlife or water sports. If you’re looking for an island where you can relax and de-stress, this is an ideal choice.
Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands
A U.S. territory, Guam is very, very far away from the mainland (it can take 20 hours to get there from New York, and 17 to get there from Los Angeles) and offers a rich history, a distinctive culture, and plenty of amazing beaches. The tourist center, Tumon, offers terrific dining and shopping, but if you venture outside its borders you’ll find beaches that feel private and infinite in natural beauty. The northern end of the same island chain, the Northern Mariana Islands, is a separate U.S. territory, offering more of a resort experience with the same level of spectacular natural beauty.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
If you’re looking for a peaceful, slow-paced getaway, consider Mackinac Island in Michigan. Located on Lake Huron, this pretty little island feels like a time portal. Cars aren’t allowed, so you’ll get around on bike, horse-drawn carriage, or by walking everywhere. This is a place you go when your goals are to gain five pounds, catch up on your sleep, and take in the incredible lake views as often as possible.
Catalina Island, California
You might not think you can have a sun-soaked Mediterranean-style vacation just an hour away from Los Angeles, but that’s because you’ve never given Catalina Island a chance. Hop off the ferry and find yourself in a place where you can snorkel in pristine water, go shopping and dining in the picture-perfect town of Avalon, and hike through beautiful hills. If that’s not enough of a challenge, try some zip-lining or a canyon excursion to add a little spice to your vacation.
Mount Desert Island, Maine
Most of Mount Desert Island is part of Acadia National Park, so if you’re looking for untouched natural beauty in the Northeast, look no further. Rocky and mountainous, the island has a unique feel that you won’t find anywhere else, and is an ideal spot for glamping, hiking, and just about any other outdoor activity you can imagine. The town of Bar Harbor offers some terrific restaurant and shopping options as well (you will eat so, so much lobster).
Block Island, Rhode Island
Want brisk ocean breezes, more seafood than is probably wise, and a relaxed, weekend-ish attitude for your vacation? Block Island is your spot. Wander the gorgeous dunes, hit the beaches, check out the stunning cliffs—and eat your weight in ice cream, which is everywhere. Known for its seafood restaurants, Block Island is a great place to exhaust yourself on the beaches during the day and then settle in for a delicious meal (with more ice cream, of course) while watching a spectacular sunset.
Fire Island, New York
If you want your island vacation to be one big party, check out Fire Island. Just an hour or two from New York City, this island is like several vacations in one due to its uniquely divided population, organized into several distinct communities that each have their own vibe (including some of the oldest distinct LGBTQ+ communities in the country that have made Fire Island an iconic vacation spot for the queer community). The days can be filled with shopping and water activities, but the nights will be filled with music, dancing, and all-around revelry.
San Juan Island, Washington
Accessible from Seattle, San Juan Island is rustic, beautiful, and peaceful. While the town of Friday Harbor offers terrific food, nightlife, and shopping, the main draw here is the breathtaking beauty of the place, ideal for challenging hikes, kayaking excursions, and taking in a bit of American history in San Juan Island National Historical Park. You might even see an orca or two.
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Orcas Island, Washington
Looking for an island filled with easy hiking, lakeside beauty, and a focus on local foodie culture? Orcas Island in Washington is your best bet. Cascade Lake offers a peaceful stillwater vibe (that you can paddle across if you’re so inclined), and the farmer’s market (held from May to September, and then indoors from October to Thanksgiving) is a chef’s dream. This is a place where long walks turn into whole afternoons, and days end with drinks at the local pub.
Isle Royale, Michigan
Isolated and remote, Isle Royale (a national park) is located on Lake Superior and can only be reached by boat or seaplane. It’s a traditional Ojibwe land and features multiple archaeological sites, which requires some care be taken when on the island so you don’t mess with the island’s treasures. This is a vacation spot for folks who love camping, hiking, and kayaking—there are no hotels or settlements here, just campsites (that you need a permit for) and wildlife—so, so much wildlife. It will be a rough stay, but if that’s your ideal travel setting, you will probably never forget Isle Royale.
Assateague Island, Maryland and Virginia
If your island dreams are a bit more brisk than sun-soaked, Assateague Island is for you. Situated between Maryland and Virginia, this barrier island is ideal for camping out on the beach, doing a little kayaking, and enjoying the pure beauty of the place. That beauty includes the wild ponies that call the island home (there’s an annual pony swim you can look into) as well as a thriving population of wild animals, largely protected from the modern world. There are zero hotels here, so this is perfect for folks who love camping out in the air on vacation.
U.S. Virgin Islands
You want a tropical vacation without the travel hassles? The U.S. Virgin Islands are for you. Territories of the United States, the islands of Saint Croix, Saint John, and Saint Thomas (plus about 50 smaller islands). Each island offers a slightly different vibe—St. Thomas is great for shopping and tourist stuff, St. John is quieter and soaked in natural beauty, and St. Croix is perfect if you’re a water-focused traveler who wants to dive, swim, and snorkel.
Amelia Island, Florida
If your idea of a perfect island vacation involves golf, head for Amelia Island. Near Jacksonville, this Florida gem is quiet, pretty, and features the Amelia River Golf Club and The Golf Club of Amelia Island, so you can work on your handicap while you relax. If you need more than golf to fill your time, you can go horseback riding on the beach, go swimming in the ocean, or do the vacation thing and linger at a bar or cafe for hours.
American Samoa
The southernmost territory of the U.S., American Samoa is where you should go if you’re looking for a truly unspoiled spot of natural beauty. This isn’t where you go to party, it’s where you go to detox from the party, reconnecting with nature and soaking in the proud Polynesian culture of the place. If your ideal vacation involves roughing it a bit, hiking a lot, and being unplugged from your normal life, American Samoa offers all of that without the hassle of a passport.
Daufuskie Island, South Carolina
No cars, almost no streets—Daufuskie Island is idyllic and quiet. And beautiful, filled with lush paths through mossy woods and beautiful beaches. It’s also a unique and historic spot, awash in the West African Gullah culture brought there by slaves and kept alive today by their descendants. Between the guided tours and local artisan shops, a vacation on Daufuskie Island is more than just a beautifully relaxing experience, it will also broaden your appreciation of American history.
Prince of Wales Island, Alaska
Ideal for fishing enthusiasts (especially salmon and trout), Prince of Wales Island is huge for an island (about 130 miles long) and dotted with quirky, interesting towns. You’ve got the best of both worlds here: In Craig, the largest village on the island, you can find comfortable hotels, fun restaurants, and other town staples. But you can also head out with your backpack and boots and vanish into lush, gorgeous wilderness for a long hike, a day spent fishing, or exploring the smaller villages.
The Florida Keys
If you like your vacations to have the same vibe as a Jimmy Buffett song, head south and don’t stop until you hit Key Largo—then just keep going until you hit Key West (you can drive the whole way). The keys offer everything you could want by way of beaches, water activities, and nightlife. They’re also uniquely American, with a laid-back, informal lifestyle that leads to unexpected experiences. While you can definitely pick a spot and stay there, the Keys are also a terrific place to run around and explore, rewarding you with plenty of hidden spots, quirky towns, and unexpected moments of natural bliss.